The short answer is not really, at least not in the way most people expect. Cruise lines do participate in Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but the “deals” are usually on add-on packages like Wi-Fi, drink packages, specialty dining, spa treatments, and excursions. The cruise fare itself is rarely discounted in a meaningful way.
Many experienced cruisers notice that prices are often about the same on Black Friday just advertised differently. The advertised discount looks big, but the final price may be the same or even higher than before. Sometimes you do get a genuine drop, but it is inconsistent.
This is why the common advice is do not wait for Black Friday to book add-ons, especially on lines like Royal Caribbean where drink package prices fluctuate constantly. Instead, book when the price is good for you. After that, keep checking the rate. If it drops, you can cancel and rebook, depending on the type of booking and your region’s policies.
As for actual cabin discounts around Black Friday, they are usually limited, selective, and tied to specific last-minute sailings, not broad sales. Sometimes you’ll see a small percentage off for a few itineraries, but nothing like the deals you’d see for general travel.
If you want real savings on the room itself, you’re often better off going through Costco Travel, which offers generous rebates and Costco gift cards, or through a travel agent who shares a portion of their commission as onboard credit. These types of perks usually outweigh any Black Friday “discount.”
In short: Black Friday isn’t a big money saver for cruise fares, but it can be a decent time to pick up onboard add-ons. Just don’t wait for it if you’re counting on a lower cabin price.
